Adventure Girl Wanna Be

First post since June 2010

2012-01-17T17:14:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

I cannot believe how long it has been and have no reason to give for my absence.

Updates:

My amazing partner is Sean McKinney. He is great! I am so happy!

I live on a farm with 15 acres.

I have a little mini motorcycle.

He has a big motorcycle that I LOVE and we enjoy riding together.

We own our own business in Real Estate Appraising.

We have 6 horses, 2 big dogs and 4 cats.

We are getting chickens and pigmy goats in the spring.

He has 3 girls: 18 and 11 yr old twins.

Cooper is doing GREAT! He turns 4 in Feb.

We live 8 miles away from a wonderful state wildlife reserve that has a beautiful lake.

We have a pond that went dry but we are working to get it full again so we can put a lil boat on it.

I still have and love my convertible.

Megan is still in San Fran with Jonathan and they are very happy. Looking to move to the midwest and start having children;)

Courtney is doing great and is going to school to become an RN in Macomb, which is an hour away from here.

That's it for now. I will think of more later ;) Good to be back!

Goodbye Grandpa;(

2010-06-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Grandpa,
I miss you so much already. I actually missed you the second after I realized you were really gone. I used to panic when I thought of your passing as I couldn't imagine life without you. From a selfish standpoint.............who was going to look out for me, stand up for me and think I was the greatest??!! But over these last few months I realized how selfish that was and I thought I had made peace with you going to heaven and with me taking care of myself 100%. But I was wrong. The perfectionist is coming out in me as I go over and over the details of your last few minutes and I wish I could have them back and dictate the event, of course I know this is a fantasy, but we do strange things when we are grieving.
If I could have that time back and dictate what would have happened here is how it would have went:
-You would have told me "it's time", instead of "I'm getting outa here", which was kinda cute, but at that exact moment I didn't know that you "literally" were.
-I would have had time to call family
-You wouldn't have struggled to breathe or turn blue, which of course scared me even though I had been told that by the hospice nurses.
-You wouldn't have gone so fast that I didn't have time to sit by you the ENTIRE 3 mins because I was frantically calling the hospice nurse, thank GOD Megan and Courtney were by your side as I was busy on the phone.
-I would have got to say to you in a final and formal way "Thank you for all you have done for me. Thank you for protecting me and taking care of me. Thank you for making me feel loved in the formative years when my life as a child was so unsteady. Thank you for being who you were which was cool and wild and adventurous at heart. Thank you for tickling my back those hot summer nights as a little girl. Thank you for taking me EVERYWHERE with you, including auto shops, motorcycle shops, back woods cafes and letting me stop at every gumball and candy machine on the way out. Thank you for the moments of falling asleep with my head in your lap on long drives and sitting on your lap while watching TV clear up until I was in 7th grade. Thank you for loving the girls the way you did. They have so many fond memories. You made the ordinary, extraordinary. Thank you for letting me know you had my back if I EVER needed you. Thank you for being the one true constant in my life since the day I was born. Thank you for taking care of me when you could have been off having fun, living your life. Thank for taking me in for good when I was in 6th grade. Thank you for allowing me to run into bed with you and grams in the middle of the night because I was scared, and it was often. Thank you for coming to my house at 3 in the morn if I got scared to look for the boogieman. Thank you for just ALWAYS being there when I needed you. That is so rare these days."
-I would have told you "I love you" and that it was my privilege to care for you when you could no longer care for yourself.
-I then would have kissed your forehead and stroked your head for the last time and you would have closed your eyes and took your last breath peacefully.

While I had told you all those things above a million times, especially in the last few weeks, the perfectionist would have wanted it just as I stated above.

I am so grateful for all our alone time these last few months. I would not have traded it for any amount of money, job, or relationship in the world and I know you know I mean every word of that.

When I cry it's because:
-I am sad I will never get to talk with you again
-I am sad because of what you went through and how you hated not being able to be active
-I am sad for how certain family members tried control you by telling you what to do instead of asking you what you wanted and this caused you distress instead of peace
-I am sad for how certain family members made you cry with their jabs and snide comments.
-I am sad because I will never have anyone protect me the way you did
-I am sad that Cooper won't get to have the memories me and the girls have
-I am sad I didn't get just a lil more time with you
-I am sad at how much you hated having to rely on others to care for you in the end
-I am sad more people didn't come and hang out with you so that you were NEVER lonely
- my hearts aches

I will forever cling to the memories of:
-the anticipation of coming to the farm from the Quad Cities when I was really little and seeing your smiling face and knowing how spoiled I would be by you
-going on long work trips with you and getting to hang with the boys
-you showing me off at all the little diners we ate at together
-that feeling of really having someone to fall back on when in a pinch, knowing you would never not be there
-that feeling of knowing I could have whatever I wanted if I only asked. But it was enough that I knew and I didn't take advantage of it because you taught me to have charactor and not act like a brat

Have fun in heaven doing "whatever" you want!

Love, Heidi

Goals and aspirations

2010-05-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

My goals and aspirations
a work in progress

*self- I aspire to be honest, courageous, morally sound, virtuous, disciplined, calm, loving, generous, service minded, encouraging, to not run away but face fears and bullies, be compassionate, be patient, to have a vision for all areas of my life, to have fun, be free-spirited, to take care of me: emotionally, spiritually and physically,

*parent- I aspire to admit my faults, work on correcting those faults, love unconditionally, be an encouragement to my children and grandchildren, lead by example, not punish but allow natural consequences to be the model of learning to be better, give freedom until they are a danger to themselves and then protect, to speak quietly, to calm down, to be patient, to lend a helping hand when asked not force my thinking on them, to say “I'm sorry, please forgive me” when needed,

*grandchild- I aspire to care and love as I was loved, to be patient during illness and ageing, to be patient because of differences, to be calm, to be diligent, to care with grace,

*student- I aspire to do my best, to be disciplined, to work hard, to never give up, to prioritize, to have a vision

*friend- I aspire to inspire, to uplift, to be of help, to have fun, to be honest and patient, to love unconditionally,

*home- I aspire to have a home that is warm, inviting, cozy, clean, clutter free, simple, organized,

Another new beginning

2010-05-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

I am not going to waist time talking about how much I love my blog but couldn't seem to be inspired to write on it???? or about how I plan on using it more..............................

Tomorrow I start working towards my MS in Higher Education.

I am getting it from an online school that is nationally accredited. I have always known if I went back to school I wanted it to be online. I found most of my college professors either boring or weird anyway. And I hadn't being on a schedule like that. Online learning is the wave of the future and was made for people like me, who like learning in their own way and not being tied down to classroom/professor structure.

I am excited and feel revitalized after being laid off (very unexpectedly) from a job I mostly loved, to be moving a some sort of positive and worthwhile direction.

I have went through several years of not knowing and now I feel certain and filled with happy anticipation.

Good Luck to me;)

Peace and Grace and Love to all;)

Happy

2010-05-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

10 simple secrets for a calmer and happier you!

Deal with difficult people gently
Tell yourself: “Only I can destroy my peace, and I choose not to do so.

Consider your words before speaking
Tell people: “Let me think about it”

Free yourself from feeling like a victim
Consider letting someone off the hook for a deed they committed.

Open your mind to new possibilities
Practice having a beginners mind-open to all.

Accept things as they are
Simple as that.

Trust that you can do it
Focus on effort, not results.

Allow yourself to truly listen to others
Develop listening skills.

Reflect before you send an email
Stop, close your eyes, and breathe for a few seconds.

Pause before you say too much
Consider what you are about to say before saying it.

Know when you can and can't help others
There are times when you CAN and CANNOT help others.

Living Good~

2010-03-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited you're checking out this page! It's not hard to live and eat healthier -- you just have to know how. That way, you can still enjoy food, it'll still be delicious, and you'll feel better!
I've listed a lot of information here. Take a look around and don't forget to check back often. I'll be constantly updating things, because I'm learning new recipes and tips every day too!
I personally chose to go vegan because I educated myself on factory farming and cruelty to animals, and I suddenly realized that what was on my plate were living things, with feelings. And I just couldn't disconnect myself from it any longer. I read books like "Diet for a New America" and saw documentaries like "Earthlings" and "Meet your Meat," and it became an easy choice for me.
If you choose to educate yourself, it'll be an easy choice for you, too. Take a look at a variety of reasons for living a vegan life.Read more: http://ellen.warnerbros.com/thoughts/#ixzz0hcYnt9LN

Check out more Ellen Here

Peace!

Hi Homeys;)

2010-02-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

-I got laid off from the job I loved so much 3 wks ago. Budget cuts.
-I am keeping Coopers kitty, Annie, here during the winter and she has ruined all my new leather furniture by scratching it. But she is the sweetest, most affectionate cat you will ever meet
-Coopers mommy and daddy split up. I have him a lot and am very grateful I am so close to be here during this time.
-I am a Kiwanis now and love it. I can't wait to get busy helping out.
-I am part of a leadership academy through our chamber. It started the beginning of Feb. and goes till April. I love it.
-I can't wait for spring to get here. I want to get out of the house and play with Cooper and walk to parks.
-Buck is getting older and having trouble jumping up on the bed and moans and groans;(
-Chloe HATES the kitty-Annie
-I am very optomistic about the future even though I just got laid off
-I feel peaceful
-I want to go to Disney so bad. Wait I also want to work for Disney in some fashion.
-I can't wait to see the Celine Dion movie soon, I will go see her act in Vegas in 2011
-I love watching Ellen. It is so inspiring as an example to be yourself and have fun.
-I am still single. Try dating someone a while back. No go. What I learned from it was to trust your gut instints and don't try and talk yourself into anything. I 100% believe in not forcing the issue. I truely believe it will happen when the time is right;) I am happy and content on my own for now.
-Megs is super happy in San Fran with her man and her job as a 1st grade teacher.
-My gramps is not doing well at all with his fibrosis of the lung. I try to be as helpful as I can. Lately I have been getting him mysteries and westerns at the library.
-Grams is good.
-Court is good considering. She works in direct care where I use to work. She loves it but it is over night.
That's all for now. Lettin it flow naturally. XOXOXOXOXO to you all;)

My shots of Cooper at the Pumpkin patch!

2009-10-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Cooper last year same place, same time!

Cooper this year!

Happy Wednesday Y'all!
Have you gotten any good shots this fall?
Heidi Ho

quote I love:

2009-10-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

This quote is profound to me: “Every piece of this is a man's bullshit. They call this war a cloud over the land, but they made the weather. Then they stand in the rain and say: shit! It's raining!” Ruby, Cold Mountain

Autumn fun-Apple Orchard

2009-09-30T11:50:00.001-07:00

Health care reform!

2009-09-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

Regardless of what side you are on or what you believe there should be a standard of professionalism, honor and maturity in our congress and towards our president at any one time regardless of whether you are a Republican or Democrat or who is currently the president!

Watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW5d0-M_wHo

Read it for yourself! And I mean no disrespect to all the honorable insurance people out there but I have been in the insurance business 3 separate times and it was ALL about how much money you could make so it makes a person wonder????????????????????????

Read this:
http://healthreform.gov/

Peace!

So scary .............

2009-09-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Jo posted this: http://majorityoftwo.blogspot.com/2009/09/not-just-another-pretty-face.html

It feels like fall and I love it!

2009-09-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

frogs in the living room???

2009-08-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Y'all!

Court's man left her. She will raising Coop alone. She lives in the country. I have been staying with her. Last night we were watching TV and it was dark. Out of the corner of my eye I thought something moved. I looked and saw a dark blob (without my glasses). I was worried it was a huge spider. I just saw one Saturday. I told court about it and she turned on the light and it was a lil froggy. What it was doing in the house, I don't know. She picked it up gently and it back outside.

We have all kinds of critters out there. Two kitties were dumped out there. We caught one but the other was wild and scared and won't let us catch him. It is so sad. I saw him out by the road in the rain and he still wouldn't let me get him;(

What is the last animal or insect you encountered?

Happy Monday Y'all!

2009-08-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

Lyrics | Phil Harris, Bruce Reitherman - The Bare Necessities lyrics

How can it be???????????????

2009-08-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

How can it be that I could have such a love for my blog, my blogging memories and my cherished bloggy friends yet have lost almost all desire to write on it, take pictures and publish my ideas and stories?? I truely don't get it?? Any profound insight anyone?

Oh yea! This is a current pic of what I really look like at the current time;)

Much love and happiness to you on this Friday;)
Peace, HeidiHo!

I found my camera and a fundraiser;)

2009-06-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

Yippee! I found my camera in the trunk of my car;) Thanks for praying;)

Wonderful World of Weiners said...
I was wondering if you might be willing to mention my raffle/fundraiser. I would NOT ask if it wasn't for a great cause. Plus, there are over 90 donated prizes to win totaling over $3000.00! And who doesn't like to win??It's really a win-win for everyone. People get to help me meet my fundraising goal AND potentionally win big.Yesterdat was the 6th anniversary of my Dad's heart transplant. I am more determined than ever to give back in a big way.This is the comment I have been leaving on certain blogs in hopes that the word will get out about what I'm trying to do.PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE clickover and enter my raffle!! You can truly win TONS OF PRIZES (totaling over $3000.00 - goft crds, Starbucks coffee maker, $600 in camping equipemtn, gorgeous jewelry).It's for a great cause….http://www.firstgiving.com/hallietwomey6 years ago my Dad received a new heart.This is my way of giving back.Halliehttp://wonderfulworldofweiners.blogspot.com/Thank you for any help you can give,Hallie

I've lost my new camera;(

2009-06-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

PRAY I FIND IT PLEASE;)

Howdy y'all! This and that;)

2009-06-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody! How are you? I have no answer as to why I got away from blogging. I go in spurts in EVERY area of my life. That is normal for me. Blogging meant so much to me at the right time. I have such fond memories of when I was obsessed with it;)

I am going to just blab on now:

Megan and Jonathan are back in the states from Africa and just got to San Fran last week. They found an amazing apartment within 2 days of being there. Megs is interviewing at different schools for teach for america. The link is below. She hopes to get 4th or 5th grade. Jonathan was starting to get bored with his job and got offered a great new project with the same company. So life is great for them both right now.

http://www.teachforamerica.org/mission/index.htm

Courtney and Coop are good. Here are some recent pics:

I can't believe how fast time fly's. I will be at my new job 9 mos June 29th. I love it still. I am busy now getting ready for our fundraiser June 20th. Right now I am in a hotel while at a conference for work;)

Have a great night y'all!

Peace!

One of my new favsssssssssssssssssss!

2009-04-21T12:28:00.001-07:00

OMG!

2009-04-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

Can you believe how long it's been?!
Weird! But I am like that.........................
go in spirts;)

Hope all is well with y'all my friends!
Peace!

Hi Y'all

2009-02-27T08:46:00.001-08:00

I have been swamped at work, hybernating or busy with Cooper. I hope all is well with all of you;)
The following are pics from Cooper's first Birthday Feb. 5th
This one is me with Cooper. My hair is even shorter now;)

Much love and peace!
Happy Weekend!
HeidiHo!

UNICEF Somalia Newsletter from Megan~

2009-02-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

Speaking out against the ‘painful journey’ of female genital mutilation/cutting
As the world reads about problems of conflict and violence in
Somalia, a remarkable woman, Shamis, who will be 70 next
year, is working to spread peace through education.
In her village of Arabsiyo, Somaliland, Shamis is well-known.
She is described by community members as dynamic, humble,
open, and always available to help others. She became involved
in community education while working as a birthing attendant.
She witnessed the extraordinary pain experienced by women
who had undergone female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C)
while giving birth. She decided to take a stand against FGM/C
and started raising awareness of the risks and dangers of the
practice.

http://us.mc317.mail.yahoo.com/mc/showMessage?fid=Inbox&sort=date&order=down&startMid=0&.rand=1412153519&da=0&midIndex=12&prevMid=1_14325_ALnJjkQAABvYSYNGLwFSFiENhdA&nextMid=1_15387_ALrJjkQAAXJvSYIUSQB91G%2FxOBY&m=1_11633_ALnJjkQAAQO0SYZ%2BpQn6MGxkiEs,1_12309_ALfJjkQAAW9sSYZcrQq9PhPamQY,1_12992_ALfJjkQAANXVSYXHLQK%2B2n6VbVA,1_13683_ALXJjkQAAXpRSYOELgfC2xMxjEQ,1_14325_ALnJjkQAABvYSYNGLwFSFiENhdA,1_14880_ALXJjkQAAU6HSYMkEwcjz00C1Y4,1_15387_ALrJjkQAAXJvSYIUSQB91G%2FxOBY,1_15926_ALvJjkQAAFEtSYIKkw2TujFNVqg,1_16454_ALbJjkQAALbzSYICXQBsQnZHQPo,1_16982_ALvJjkQAASrCSYHdGgIIKy3Kpjo,1_17435_ALzJjkQAABPVSYGuzQFFrAWuyOQ,&mid=1_14880_ALXJjkQAAU6HSYMkEwcjz00C1Y4&fn=SOM_Carruurteena29Jan09FNLa.pdf&pid=2&vs=1&ypa=1
Shamis urged women to remember “the painful journey you’ve
had in your life,” speaking of FGM/C and the resulting pain
during childbirth, and to “keep these pains from your daughters”.
Using her own financial means, she organized women
and funded activities for the promotion of the abandonment of
FGM/C and child/forced marriage.
Shamis welcomed the UNICEF/Tostan Community Empowerment
programme to the village of Arabsiyo with open arms.
She saw it as an opportunity to collaborate and further spread
information about women’s and children’s rights. She was
chosen as the Coordinator of the Arabsiyo Community Management
Committee (CMC), a committee established in each
village to oversee the community empowerment process and to
coordinate community activities linked to information learned in
class sessions.
Shamis quickly proved to be one of the most active and effective
CMC leaders in Somaliland.
Under her leadership and after learning about human rights
and the risks involved in undergoing FGM/C, 40 participants
from the Arabsiyo class visited eight neighbouring communities
to exchange and discuss what they’d learned about FGM/C.
Shamis also participated in an inter-village meeting to promote
FGM/C abandonment in surrounding communities. She spoke
publicly of men’s responsibilities to help end FGM/C on June
25 2008, at an event in the town of Mohamed Mogge.
She told the large crowd that by refusing to marry women who
have not been cut, men play a strong role in the perpetuation
of FGM/C as a social convention.
She reached out to men in the audience to show their respect
for human dignity and women’s rights by standing up as fathers,
husbands, and brothers and refusing to accept the practice.
Her speech was met with enthusiastic applause from men
and women alike.
Another example of initiatives taken under Shamis’s leadership
can be seen in four women who are candidates in the upcoming
election for seats in the National Assembly. Previously,
women did not realize they had the right to run for office.
They credit the Community Empowerment Programme sessions
for making them aware of their right to vote and be
elected, and explain that if they weren’t running for office, they would be neglecting their responsibility to put into action what
they’ve learned. “If we don’t actually dare to run for office, we will not be applying
this important information from our new education sessions
on democracy.” Shamis was the first to encourage them to run
on a platform promoting the improvement of community health
and education in Arabsiyo.
Shamis also encourages the younger participants to be proactive
and share their new information with others.
One young man says that before the Community Empowerment
Programme, he had never learned about democracy and
human rights, but now he believes that awareness of human
rights can lead to an end to violence and contribute to building
peace. He therefore plans on starting a Community Empowerment
class for other students at his high school with support
from Shamis.
Shamis’s motivation is contagious.
With the help of Tostan, UNICEF, and the Government of
Somaliland, she has succeeded in mobilizing hundreds of people
for the campaign to raise awareness of human rights, but
she knows there is still much work to be done.
Her aspirations for the years to come are to reduce the illiteracy
rate in her community, to continue to encourage women to
participate actively in decision-making processes, to improve
women and children’s health and to promote sustainable development.
With her courage and boundless energy, Shamis is an inspiration
to girls and women throughout the world who seek to make
a difference.
Shamis speaks to participants at an advocacy forum against FGM/C
in Arabsiyo.© 12-08/Tostan
Shamis

Megs next big adventure~

2009-01-27T16:01:00.000-08:00

Oakland Teaching Fellows Overview
The Oakland Teaching Fellows is looking for outstanding professionals and recent graduates to become part of this highly-selective program to teach where they are most needed. This program is designed to attract only the most outstanding individuals to increase students' academic achievement as teachers in the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Young, mid, and post-career professionals from all fields, as well as recent college graduates - particularly those with experience in math and science- will bring their experience, knowledge, and records of achievement to the classroom to positively impact the lives of students most in need of their leadership. Fellows will become part of a powerful network of educational leaders and work with other progressive educators to make dramatic improvements in our student' academic experiences.
Your opportunity to make a difference in educational equity is right now, as Oakland continues to implement its plan to ensure greater student achievement, effective management, and quality instruction. Become a part of this historic turning point in the Oakland Unified School District by working to educate our city's children.
Candidates benefit from a streamlined application and selection process and, if selected, the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive Training Institute prior to teaching. Oakland Teaching Fellows pursue a teaching credential by enrolling in a credentialing program while teaching full-time and receiving a full-time teacher's salary.
The Oakland Teaching Fellows is committed to providing the students of Oakland with a new group of teachers who will work to increase their level of achievement and academic success. Fellows teach at all levels in the District's most challenged schools. We are particularly looking for outstanding candidates to teach math, science, special education, Spanish, bilingual education and physical education in high-need classrooms throughout the District.

YOU. GO. GIRL!
Love, your mama!

A perfect example of a great human being..........

2009-01-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

I first saw Patrick on the home makeover show. Then this morning he was on the hour of power. He is such an inspiration. I ordered his book just now. I love his main philosophy:

"Focus on your abilities, not what society say's is your disabilities"

Enjoy below:

video's about him.

Happy Sunday Y'all! Have a super great week!

Peace, HeidiHo;)

A perfect example of a great human being..........

2009-01-26T08:26:00.000-08:00

I first saw Patrick on the home makeover show. Then this morning he was on the hour of power. He is such an inspiration. I ordered his book just now. I love his main philosophy:

"Focus on your abilities, not what society say's is your disabilities"

Enjoy below:

video's about him.

Happy Sunday Y'all! Have a super great week!

Peace, HeidiHo;)

Have a great weekend!

2009-01-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

I have been happily extra busy at work and at home this week.
Cooper and Courtney like to stay with me when Brandon is out of town for business. They have been here all week and I love it, but haven't had any spare moments to blog or check your blogs.
I hope all is well with you! Peace, HeidiHo;)

God Bless Amercia

2009-01-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

God Bless Obama

"For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies," Mr Obama said from the steps of the Capitol as an estimated two million watched in sub-zero temperatures.

"It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours," Mr Obama added. "It is the fire-fighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.

"What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

"This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."

Lord forgive those that do not understand for they know not what they do! Amen!

YOU. ARE. THE. BOMB!

2009-01-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

Yes.....................I mean you!
The one reading this right now, and NEVER forget that!
Spend a few minutes everyday saying to yourself.................
I am loved;)

Happy Day Everyone!

Peace, HeidiHo!

Stunning.....................MUST SEE!

2009-01-16T05:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Courtney gave me a late Christmas present that had not come yet...................................

I had wanted it so bad.
It's a daily dose of positivity, not a book to read;)
I love the positive messages from Dr. Schuller (He was strongly influenced by his mentor, Norman Vincent Peale, Schuller has focused in his teaching on the positive aspects of Christianity. Rather than concentrating on condemning people for sin, he encourages Christians (and non-Christians) to achieve great things through God, uplifting theology and positive thinking. Such doctrines have led to some spirited criticism by many evangelicals.^{[citation needed]} Schuller holds Viktor Frankl to have been one of the two greatest psychiatrists of the past century. ^{[1] Wiki)}

...this little book combines the God-giftedness of Ken Duncan's incredible photographic talent with our ministry's own powerfully positive, God-inspired message.

In 1981, a young Ken Duncan stood on a mountaintop in Bali experimenting with a new fangled wide view camera.

Ken had "experimented" with life, too, and on this mountaintop he came to cry out with a most sincere heart, beseeching God:

"If you're real, God, reveal yourself to me!"

God did, and Ken Duncan's life has been a powerful testimony for the living Lord ever since.

Here is some of Ken's work:

I love Ken Duncan. Read about him HERE!

His website is HERE!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, it's freezinggggggggggggggggg

2009-01-15T05:52:00.000-08:00

This is the weather report for my area-Macomb, IL.

Fair
Feels Like:
-14°
Barometer:
30.71 in and rising
Humidity:
72%
Visibility:
10 mi
Dewpoint:
-20°
Wind:
W 14 mph

As you can tell, I have not been blogging much. I have a lot to share but can't find my camera USB cord to download.

I've cut my hair again.

I am working on my house and rearranging everyroom.

I am just more tired when it's cold out and from moving furniture and hanging things?????

What is the weather like at your place?

Happy Thursday Y'all!

Peace, HeidiHo

Dreaming and planning................

2009-01-12T05:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday my lovelies;)

I pray your weekend was all you wanted for it;)

What did you do?

I had Court and Coop Friday night and Sat morn.

Then I didn't feel well and slept from Sat. around 3 p.m. till Sun morn.

I got up and slowly cleaned. Sun evening some family was here for my Great Grandma's visitation. We had pizza at my house first. Today is the funeral. She was literally the sweetest person on the planet. She was 98 and never had surgery or a pain. God bless her soul!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is the car I have now. It's 2000 Chrysler Sebring.
I've had it for 3 years now.

I LOVE it more than I can say.

It IS perfect!

I plan to drive it till the wheels fall off.

The pure joy I get from this car is something I've never know from a vehicle before.

It handles great, has amazing gas mileage and is powerful!

So when the wheels do fall off .....................................

getting

this

one~

The new Sebring with retractable hardtop provides all-season protection for America’s best-selling convertible. And the flex-fuel feature grants the vehicle the advantages of E85, in terms of lower fuel costs and cleaner emissions.

Peace, HeidiHo;)

Be Happy!

2009-01-09T09:24:00.001-08:00

You are loved!
Peace, HeidiHo;)

The rest of my furniture...................

2009-01-08T08:39:00.001-08:00

.........................is coming today! Yippee!

Graphics & Myspace layouts

W.O.W.

2009-01-07T05:03:00.000-08:00

We have a blog just for W.O.W.

If you want to be join us email me at hydeee2001@yahoo.com so I can add you as an author!

Happy Tuesday.........................

2009-01-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

Well my serious and complete obsession with blogging has kept me from doing as much.............
socializing
cleaning
organizing
finishing projects
walking poor Buck
and
who knows what else as much as I should!
The motivation bug has finally bit me and I am in the mood to work on my house soooooo
between:
a full-time job
Cooper
and my house
I am inventing the rule of thirds;)
I am going to try and blog every third day
and
check your blogs as often as I humanly can;)
I will miss seeing you everyday
and
I adore you all!
I will be back to my regular obsessed blogging self when I get tired of all of this;)

Looooooooooooooooooooooooove
and
Peeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeace
to
you
and
yours;)
Bless you this wonderful Tuesday~HeidiHo!
(Of course I will post the before's and after's)

Whoops!

2009-01-05T14:56:00.000-08:00

I accidentally had my blog on private????????????

Sorry;)

Happy Monday all you gorgeous people;)

Would you like a spot of tea with that?

2009-01-04T17:07:00.001-08:00

I made these tonight!
I will use salted butter and more chocolate next time, but they were good!
They certainly look pretty!

I bet you would never in a million years guess who's hand that is;)

Well, sooooooooooooooooo~

How has your weekend been?

Mine has been busy.

have

either

been

deep

cleaning

and

moving

furniture

playing

with

this

little

monkey

His 4 wheeler I got him for Christmas!

My grandpa made this wooden horse for Megs. Both her and Courtney used it.

I need to re-paint it and add a new mane;)

Taking a little siesta!

Um, yea! He got into the diaper bag and opened his can of powdered formula! He thought he was pretty swift;)

I hope you are warm and comfy where ever you are right now;)

Peace, HeidiHo;)

Wow! It's been a year already????????

2009-01-01T06:28:00.000-08:00

Nuts! This year flew by!

Let's see............................

I was in a dead end, boring job till this last September, but it's when I discovered blogging;)

My Cooper was born in February!

Megan got married!

I got my new job!

I am not kidding! This year flew by!

What memerable events do you remember?

Happy New Year's Eve~

2008-12-31T14:15:00.000-08:00

I don't know what chip I am missing but it has never been my natural gut inclination to celebrate anniversaries, new years and different yearly events. Don't get me wrong..................I do them and do them well but I don't feel the strong, deep down feeling about it. I'm not big on dates, milestones or what not. I wonder what that is??????? I am a sentimental person when it comes to people and things associated with people but something is different in me when it comes to dates and repetitive events. Also I don't size things up like......................"whoa that year sucked" "I hope this next one is better". I am trying to figure all this out on this page. I seem to not be normal cuz everyone else does these things. There are 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days and 8568 hours in a year and I can't image calling a whole year bad. I live day to day and move forward. Maybe that helped me get through my childhood??? Any who sometimes I go out to have fun on New Year's Eve. This year I don't feel like it. So there won't be any:

Horns blowing at my house!

I might watch some of the shows and the ball drop!

I won't be having champaign, though it does look good;)

So whatever you are doing to bring in the new year..............

Have fun and be safe!

I love Wikipedia!

Read about how other countries celebrate New Year's Eve Here!

In the United States, New Year's Eve is a major social holiday. One of the top destination cities for New Year's Eve from 2003 to 2006 has been New York, according to hotwire.com.[3] Las Vegas is also attracting a large number of New Year's Eve party goers with the famous Las Vegas strip being closed to vehicles and buses.
In the past 100 years the "ball dropping" on top of One Times Square in New York City, broadcast to all of America (and rebroadcast in many other countries), is a major component of the New Year celebration. The 1,070-pound (490 kg), 12-foot (3.7 m) diameter Waterford crystal ball located high above Times Square is lowered, starting at 11:59:00pm and reaching the bottom of its tower 60 seconds later, at the stroke of midnight (12:00:00am). This is repeated for all four time zones in the continental US. It is sometimes referred to as "the big apple" like the city itself; the custom derives from the time signal that used to be given at noon in harbors.
From 1981 to 1988, New York City dropped an enlarged apple in recognition of its nickname. From 1972 through 2006, Dick Clark hosted televised coverage of the event called Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, shown on ABC, and now renamed Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest for the arrival of 2009. From 1956 to 1976 on CBS, Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians serenaded the United States from the ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on Park Avenue in New York City. The Royal Canadians continued on CBS until 1978, and Happy New Year, America replaced it in 1979, continuing until 1995. The song Auld Lang Syne has become a popular song to sing at midnight on New Year's Eve. Wiki

Love and Peace to you my friend!

HeidiHo

Workout Wednesday Girls~

2008-12-31T05:20:00.000-08:00

Ok! Here I go:

I've done pretty good with most of my goals~

I've cut out a lot of coke. Which is hard to do, cuz I love it and it settles my stomach!

I am having little to no fast food.

I've added more water and yogurt.

Here is where I've had trouble:

Walking Buck more when it's so cold

That slimquick made me jittery and messed with my blood sugar so I quit taking it.

And my new workout tape that I thought I loved, (judged too quickly) doesn't seem right for me because she starts out wayyyyyyy too quick and once I had to stop 4 minutes into it because I literally thought I was starting to stroke and then this morning I put my lower back out. What she calls a warm up is a super cardio, so to me that is jaded. I have not given up completely, I am trying to figure out how I can use parts of it. I have lot's of other's DVD's I can use, like this one which I always loved so I should have stuck with it

I don't have a scale and plan to judge my success by how I feel and how my clothes fit me.

This week my stomach issues (severe upper stomach bloating) that I have dealt with for months, have escalated to the point that I am seeing my doctor tomorrow. This keeps me from doing 100%, but I am confident I will get it figured out and move forward. Good luck to all of you! I will be over to check in on you!

Hey there...........have you seen this?

2008-12-30T18:07:00.000-08:00

It’s special because it cleanses hair thoroughly but without lathering and all the harsh ingredients that may be found in ordinary shampoos — it is designed so it won’t strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils. Your hair is left with sheen, moisture, manageability and better color retention.

Courtney first told me about it, then I watched an infomercial. As a former hair dresser who beleives in good skin and hair care, I knew this was something special. I recieved my first bottle today and just used it. I loved the way it felt. My hair feels clean and soft.

As someone with naturally dry and fuzzy in the back hair, I can't wait to see how is does. I will let you know.

You can check it out HERE! I can't wait to try the body wash!

Happy Monday!

2008-12-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

These are a few of my favorite thingsssssssssss

2008-12-27T06:33:00.000-08:00

(Sing it with me)

How are you?

How were your holiday's?

Do you still have more to attend?

tomorrow.

don't

need

diamonds

and

fancy

appliances

make

happy.

Megan and Jonathon gave me this. Of course I adore it and will try to find an excuse to use it everyday.

Cooper gave me this. I LOVE it. I wanted it so bad. I love hallmark (anything) ornaments and this one is perfecttttttttttttttttttttt~Cooper and me (grandma)

;)

I hope your holidays were filled with whatever you wanted them to be filled with. If they weren't......
"I am sorry for your heartache"! I pray that you will find other things to fill your heart.
Happy Saturday Everyone!
Have to go shop for tomorrow!
Peace, HeidiHo;)

May your day be bright!

2008-12-24T12:10:00.001-08:00

zwani.com myspace graphic comments" border="0">
Myspace Chistmas Graphics

My plans:
I am going to Courtney and Cooper's tonight! Megs and J are in Africa on some deserted Island where there are no phones???
Tomorrow afternoon Courtney, Cooper, Brandon are coming over to cook, watch movies and chill. Then my grandparents are coming over in the evening and we are all having dinner together.
Sunday we are having our big family Christmas over at my cousins.
Bless you and yours;)
Peace, HeidiHo!

2008-12-24T05:50:00.000-08:00

This is wishing you, and you, and you the Merriest Christmas possible!
I feel so blessed to have such amazing bloggy friends.
I have been blessed beyond my imagination
from meeting all of you!
I am behind in checking your blogs but I am not behind in thinking of you;)
Love and Peace, HeidiHo;)

Workin out Wednesday~

2008-12-24T04:49:00.000-08:00

I have kept my goals!
I set my goals in a way that baby steps
were still considered good;)
I am taking it easy today!
It is Christmas Eve after all;)
Merry Christmas
Work out girls!

Toast to Tuesdays ~

2008-12-23T05:34:00.001-08:00

I am toasting to:

My downed trees not hitting or causing damage to my house

To Cooper's first Christmas

To the appreciation of the beauty of snow and winter

To good health

To having a job

The Christmas spirit melting hate in people's hearts

Happy Tuesday Ya'll!

What are you thankful for today?????

Whats your flavor?~

2008-12-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

I don't know why but

I crave ice cream

in the winter

not the

summer???

This

brand

and

flavor!

What's your flavor and brand of choice?

And do you want ice cream more in the winter or summer?

I love my life....................

2008-12-22T05:09:00.001-08:00

I LOVE my new workout DVD.

It's about feeling great, being great and looking great!

It's not just about losing weight and looking hot!

It's about being the best you can be!

I want to be the best I can be!

This is the instructor:

This is the DVD- Check it out HERE
While working out you say:
I am willing
I am able
I am ready~
to do and be my best!

Join our Workin' out Wednesday support group~
To be better;)

Love and Peace to you my friends;) HeidiHo!

If you love your life and are a light in this world take this button and put it on your sidebar;)

What the hell????????????????????

2008-12-21T16:03:00.000-08:00

I JUST READ A CARTOON ON SOMEONES BLOG THAT UPSET ME SO THAT IT OUTRAGED ME AND MAKES ME CRY. IT WAS SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT BEING WHITE WAS BETTER THEN BEING BLACK.

MY WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE I HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY MIFFED BY PEOPLE WHO CALL THEMSELVES "CHRISTIANS' AND THROW "JESUS'S" NAME AROUND AND YET SO PROUDLY AND OPENLY TALK TRASH ABOUT GOD'S CHILDREN THAT ARE A DIFFERENT COLOR THEN THEM!

NUTS! ABSOLUTELY NUTS!

HEY GUESS WHAT............JESUS WAS BORN IN BETHLEHEM, JUDEA.

HE WAS A OF JEWISH DECENT. WHERE HE WAS BORN, PEOPLE HAVE BROWN SKIN! HE WAS NOT "WHITE" PEOPLE!

GOD CREATED ALL OF US!

WHAT KIND OF FATHER WOULD CREATE TO THEN WANT HIS CHILDREN TO HATE EACHOTHER??!!!!!!

GOD=LOVE

GOD DOES NOT WANT HIS OWN CHILDREN TO HATE EACH OTHER

FEEL THAT THEY ARE BETTER THAN ONE ANOTHER.

ARE YOU A MOTHER OR FATHER??????

WOULD YOU SEPARATE YOUR OWN CHILDREN AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO HATE EACH OTHER OR SPLIT THEM UP BY COLOR OR INTELLIGENCE???

DOES ANYONE HONESTLY THINK THAT WHEN THEY GET TO HEAVEN GOD IS GOING TO HIGH FIVE THEM FOR HATING THEIR OWN SISTER OR BROTHER.

IT IS SO SIMPLE!

SO CUT AND DRY.

AND SO NUTS

THAT ANYONE WOULD THINK IT OK TO THINK THEY WERE BETTER THEN SOMEONE ELSE BASED ON COLOR, RACE, CREED, OR SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS!!!!!!!!!!

I AM DISGUSTED BY THIS DESPICABLE AND DISGRACEFUL ATTITUDE OF HATE!

GOD IS LOVE!

GOD IS EVERYONE'S FATHER!

FATHER'S DON'T WANT THEIR CHILDREN TO HATE EACHOTHER!

GOD DOESN'T THINK ONE CHILD IS BETTER THEN THE OTHER!

DA!

Ice............the beauty and the beast!

2008-12-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

Beauty!

(from my camera and yard)

Click on images to see~WOW!

Crystals!

Darling!

This is both beauty and beast. This is my River burch bent over touching the ground!

Husband, inside my downed River burch!

Wife, again, inside my downed tree!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beast!

(from my camera and yard)

One of my co-workers offered up her husband to come to my house and cut up and haul away the trees! They had to make 3 trips! Soooooooooooooo sweet! Thank you Lori! That was the most thoughtful thing ever! I am speechless!

I feel so naked!

Turns out I might not those that one tree! We will see!

It's my Birthday, memories and presents~

2008-12-20T07:30:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning thinking........................

It's my birthday

and

about my mom!

Well because on my "birth" day my mom was there, having me, bringing me into the world.

I lost my mom when I was in second grade to mental illness (she left us at a baby sitter's, never to return) and then to death (she was in a car accident and the police found my uncle's phone number (no one knew where she was) after 3 day's of searching her house, called him and I went out to Idaho to deal with things) when I was 30.

This morning I had a flood of wonderful memories of my mom~

With her mental illness she was either an above average, amazing mother or she was depressed and neglectful, but never abusive or anything bad overtly.

When she was feeling well she lite up the world with her smile and joy!

Here are some amazing memories I have of her that bring joy to my heart :

~When I was about 2 yrs of age I was in the hospital in one of those cribs with the heavy clear plastic over them with oxygen. I had pneumonia. I can remember seeing my mom come thru the door (the vision looks all blurry thru the thick plastic) and the utter joy and excitement of seeing her was like a angel coming. I adored my mom in a special way that I feel God blessed me with knowing she wouldn't be around for most of my life.

~I have a clear, almost video like memory of me and my neighbor sitting in the back seat of my mom's car while it was heating up on a cold, snowy day when I was in 1st grade and while we all waited for the car to heat up so my mom could take us to school, my mom turned around in her front drivers seat to look right at me and wink and give me a smile that said "I adore you and you are special" She had almost a twinkle in her eye and was snapping her Wrigley's spearmint gum like she always did. I can't do it to this day;) That moment sounds ordinarily sweet, but it was magical and I can feel those feelings when I think about it!

~The Christmas before she left us for good (February of my second grade) she called me into her bedroom and the bed was covered in presents and wrapping paper. She said "I am going to teach you to wrap presents". And she proceeded to very carefully, step by step show me how to perfectly wrap. To this day I wrap exactly the way she taught me and remember that teaching moment.

~The Christmas before she left was magical. She always made every event special. She always gave the best gifts. I got a little piano, some other things and a baby doll that was life size with blonde hair, a pink dress, a soft body and when you layed her back her eyes closed and she said "mama"! I adored real life babies and baby dolls and this one was perfect in every way. I clung to that doll, as it represented her love for me after she was gone. I sensed this would be my last Christmas with her (one of those mysteries of life) and remember that day well!

I can't use my scanner with my computer, long story, but someday I will figure out how to post pictures of my mom!

For now imagine a cross between Audrey Hepburn and Shirley jones (when she bleached her hair. Her hair was dark. I got my blonde from my dad)

I miss my mom so much and especially around my birthday and Christmas!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday we had a potluck Christmas party at work and a present exchange-

We drew names and wrote down 5 things we liked-

got

this

Which is exactly what I wanted.

I have loved Lang calendars for over 20 years.

I had a frame made at our local art/framing shop years ago and have my favorite images from my calendars each year matted and then I interchange them when I feel like it.

This is the frame and the current Lang image I have in it. This is literally from a calendar I had in 1987. I love it!

How come when I take the flash off it's blurry??

Anyway now stores sell frames for calendars. Wish I would have had the money to reproduce my idea years ago;)

Have a super great weekend everyone!

Poor, poor pityful me................

2008-12-19T08:31:00.001-08:00

I am having a major pity party this morning, before you go lecturing me about "being grateful" I know all about it and deep down of course I am to............be alive and have a house and all that stuff. I just need a little pity party time to mourn and process it.
We had a terrible Ice Storm last night. Macomb, Il., where I live, was hit the hardest in the area. I literally did not sleep last night for trees popping (mine) and explosive power polls breaking down. I kept losing power until 3 am it was out for good and is still out.

I am sad because combined with the tree's I lost this last Spring, (See one tree down HERE) I have now lost ALL my tree's with this storm. I planted every single tree. When I bought this property it didn't have a plant or tree on the place. I planted all of these and nurtured and groomed and loved them to maturity. The biggest one I lost this last Spring was 10 years old, the rest are anywhere from 5 to 8 years old;(

The pictures below are not actually of my trees. I am at work and I have not electricity or Internet at home to download my pics, but I will later. The pics below though look a lot like mine;(

Were you hit with any storms last night?

To add to my pity party my homeowners insurance doesn't cover any of the removal or replanting and with no man around I have to figure out how to get rid of this mess. I live paycheck to paycheck as a single person and it's Christmas time so I have spent every penny on that, so no extra to cover MAJOR and multiple tree removal by professionals!

Yippee and howdoyoudo!
Oh well it will all work out!
Carry on! Right?!
Peace!

How I came up with my name!

2008-12-18T19:18:00.000-08:00

The week I created my blog I was feeling some serious remorse while bored in a job where I had nothing to do but daydream about all I wanted so desperately to do:

Have a boyfriend or friend again that had a Harley

Live on a hobby farm

Go boating

Four wheeling

White water rafting

Dirt Biking

Etc.

Hence the "wanna be"

(I am seriously nuts over this print. I want it but it is too expensive)

The summer before, I had a boyfriend that was super fun all time.

We boated, he had a Harley, we talked about living in the country..................

It was constant adventure and go, go, go!

And I was missing all the fun and adventure badly when my name just came to me!

I was raised around farms and motorcycles, so this is nothing new! My longing for them is just getting stronger;)

How did you come up with your bloggy name?

Rockin' cool, cool idea~

2008-12-18T08:47:00.001-08:00

Dana has done it again..................
She is rockin' the Christmas cheer this year!
Hey that rhymed;)
Seriously, check out her step by step HERE!

I just thought of this.................
I have only been blogging since August and Dana was one of my first bloggy friends;)
Sweet!

Melts in your mouth and not in your hands~

2008-12-18T04:37:00.000-08:00

always

thought

that

was

curious

statement

because

they

always

melted

hands.

They

must

have

meant

you

would

eat

them

quicker

than

they

would

have

time

melt??

Out

all

the

things

have

consistently

done

Christmas

time

over

the

years,

there

one

thing

both

girls

equally

love

the

most.

simple

but

here

Peace, HeidiHo

Workin out Wednesday Goals~

2008-12-18T03:02:00.000-08:00

The beginning of my goals~

Some baby steps I am taking are:
trying that new slimquick
adding whole grain triscuit's instead of chips or pretzels

adding yogurt to my diet
and taking the activia challenge

adding more veggies & fruits to my diet

walking Buck more

eating breakfast everyday

doing my workout DVD 3 mornings a week

Have you done your goals yet???

Do them and then post them.

Have you put the button and the teams names on your sidebar?

Have you done our real life test?

Peace girlie's and love and luck to you today!

Workout Wednesday Women~

2008-12-16T17:37:00.000-08:00

Here is the button I made~

If you missed my first post on this read it HERE

I think we should start out slow, realistic and simple:

Let's do our "real age" test and post it.

Then lets set some goals for ourselves and post them.

Then lets put the button on your sidebar, just right click on it and save it.

Then we will check in with each other on Wednesdays.

We will tweeck it as we go;)

To take the test click HERE!

My real age is 51.4 my calendar age is 43.999

This website and test is soooooooooo cool.

Try it even if you aren't planning on joining this group;)

Now go get some new workout clothes, take the test and get back to me soon;)

You can do it!

The team so far:

Dana

Kaci

Jani

Becky

Cynthia
Scrappy Girl

Love and Peace, HeidiHo!

I was so tired all day and then.............

2008-12-15T15:59:00.000-08:00

After

eating

some

dinner

checked

the

mail

and

found

this

It's a card from my bloggy friend from Toni Raising Eden!

Thank you so much sweetie!

That was so thoughtful!

I love that little red house!

I want my house on my farm to look just like it;)

And then there was also this.....

How sweet and fun!
I got this from sweet Shauna over at Trying to stay calm!
Thank you soooooooooooooo much!
Too sweet for words!
Christmas is great!
Peace and Happy Monday!

Gotta go soak in the tub with hot water and espon salts.
I pulled something in my back today while moving office furniture in my office;)

This week-end and Thank you!

2008-12-14T18:23:00.000-08:00

This has been a busy weekend for me!

After working Sunday night thru Friday....

I had our Christmas party for our organization Friday night.

It was my event so I was in charge and the organizer.

So it was more like work then it was enjoyment, but

I did enjoy seeing people enjoy what I had put together.

I especially enjoyed seeing our DD (Developmentally Disabled) residents come up later. Check out where I work HERE;) I am the Public Relations Director and so a variety of things!

and see them all dressed up and having fun dancing!

It brings tears of joy right now just thinking of it. They are so

precious and it's so sad how so many don't have families or

their families don't bother spending time with them. It breaks

my heart. We are their family! And I am so blessed to be a part of this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday I spent most of the day helping my grandparents.

My grandma fell a couple of weeks ago and broke a rib and her collar bone among other things.

She is having a hard time getting around. My gramps can't do much anymore without running out of breath and that is with oxygen on. I helped them clean and did a lot of my grandma's Christmas shopping for her.

Then I went to Courtney and Brandon's Saturday evening to help.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wow! And I am blessed to have a bloggy friend like CJ over at Purple Diva in my life.

She sent me this.................

I absolutely love all of it. It was so sweet and thoughtful. And believe it or not I had been wanting some lotion gloves. I always need headbands to pull my hair back and love, love, love the "believe" gift.

I can not say "Thank you" enough CJ!

You truly blow my mind with your sweetness!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today this little bugar spent the day with me so his mommy and daddy could go out of town to shop. Of course I tried to refuse and hated every minute of it;) LOL!

Here he is eating his favorite at Grandma's...............

noodles with butter and Parmesan! Yummers!

I was thinking today while spending a perfect day with my gran'baby...........

That life couldn't have gotten any better today...........

I had the love of my life with me!

We had peaceful, fun and fulfilling day!

We were warm and protected from the elements!

We had good food to eat!

In a world were there are so many people that don't have the basics..........

food

clean water

and

a roof over their head

I am thankful for the basics tonight

and

for my baby love, perfect angel boy!

Oh yea! And I am thankful for my garage since it is sleeting out right now!

Peace, HeidiHo;)

A great gift idea from my freind..........

2008-12-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

OMW! You have to check this out. My pal over at Cat in my Lap made these and gives you a step by step show. So cool dudette!

Peace, HeidiHo

Want to see my tree this year??????????

2008-12-12T06:09:00.000-08:00

I had a little fun with my camera.

I normally do an elaborate tree but with all the mess at my house and Cooper not really knowing what's what yet I have opted to not put up a tree this year. I have caught a lot of crap for this but oh welllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!

I will more than make up for it next year;)

Peace, HeidiHo

I love, love, love this...................

2008-12-12T03:26:00.000-08:00

I hope you'll take a minute to watch and listen and that this fills your heart with joy;)

Sky Watch Friday~

2008-12-12T02:00:00.000-08:00

I have to say....................these are the true colors, not doctored up.

Amazing!

I took these last Wednesday night as we left the tree farm!

It was unbelieveable. I couldn't stop ohhhhhhing and awwwwwing!

See more Sky Watch HERE

Happy Friday Everyone!

Peace, HeidiHo

All I want for Christmas.................

2008-12-11T05:28:00.000-08:00

Is not my two front teeth!

Is for my soul mate to find me and for him to live in the country on a hobby farm!

Now it's your turn, other than all those things we all want: good health, well being, happy children, etc.............................

What do you really want (not need) for Christmas???

Be honest, don't forget you can leave an anonymous comment if you wish;)

I really would love to read what you want so do it! :)

Guess where I went tonight??????????

2008-12-10T17:19:00.000-08:00

I went with someone who was wearing these socks!

The

person

wearing

those

warm

socks

ended

getting

tired

before

reached

our

destination

Can you guess what we were doing???

We drove about an hour to get to this special place;)

It had a cute little gift shop with hot chocolate.

My camera fogged over so I couldn't take many pictures. Plus I was video taping as well so I was alternating.

We created a precious family memory.

Can you believe it??? I have a gran'baby and it will be his first Christmas;)

He loved every minute. He has this little man attitude where whenever he goes some place fun and new he looks around and takes it all in and then gets all happy and wants to explore everything and looks at you like...........isn't this fun! Priceless! He is amazing!

BTW-the tree they are standing in front of is the one they chose.

I was so happy they invited me on their family excursion;)

Peace, HeidiHo

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS SO I CAN SEND YOU A CHRISTMAS CARD!

2008-12-10T17:16:00.000-08:00

JUST LEAVE IT IN THE COMMENTS! THANX!

SOME ARE ASKING FOR MY ADDRESS SO I WILL PUT IT HERE. DON'T FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO SEND ME ONE CUZ I AM SENDING YOU ONE. THAT IS NOT WHY I WANT TO SEND YOU ONE;)

HEIDI COLLINS

221 SOUTH DUDLEY

MACOMB, IL

61455

Always be honest...................

2008-12-10T17:15:00.000-08:00

I was tagged some time back by my bloggy galpal Purple Diva!

I am to list 10 honest things about me. Ewwwwwwwwww scary!

1. I can be what anal annies call .....................lazy. The mood has to hit me or I have to be super passionate about something, to do it. I love vegging all day watching movies when the mood hits me. Just being honest, but don't get me wrong...............when the mood does hit me, I can work circles around the average person;)

2. I am terrible about exercising right now, well and have been for the last several years.

3. I have been divorced twice. I hate this. I have struggled for years with feeling shame even though the first marriage was very verbally and emotionally abusive and the second one.............he left. While growing up I dreamed of having a marriage that I never witnessed the people around me having. I've tried it twice and both times I was miserable.

4. I buy lot's of new socks because I can never find mine.

5. Everyone thinks I am such a extrovert but really I am an introvert. When I am with people I am very lively and bubbly and havin fun, but I HAVE to have my alone time.

6. I get scared a lot. I have called my neighbors, friends, and the police many times to search the house.

7. I am currently obsessed with 2 things: Cooper and blogging

8. I love Christmas and have lot's of Christmas spirit but am not going all out this year on decorating my house since I need to focus my energy on all my unfinished projects.

9. I love to dance more than anyone I have ever met. I am nut's about it. I am so anti social when I go out dancing. I am going to dance, not talk;)

10. One of the happiest periods in my life was when I was a single mother of two, a college student and had no money. This was a period of seven years. I was a full time student for 5 of those years.

Now I am supposed to tag 10 people, but with the business of the holidays I am just going to hope some of you choose to do it. If you do please let me know so I can read it;)

Peace, HeidiHo

Want to join me? I need your help........please?

2008-12-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

This is my new workout video!

This is what a St. Louis paper said about it:

‘Inten•Sati: Great Body, Great Life’
By Amy Bertrand
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/28/2008
Named best instructor by New York Magazine and Allure magazine, Patricia Moreno brings an energy to her workout videos like none you've seen. She goes beyond encouraging, offering powerful mantras to be said to each move she offers. For instance, while doing punching moves, you say "I, am, strong," (one word to each punch). The idea is that by saying it, you believe it and that by saying it, you don't let your mind wander. When the mind doesn't wander, you are unlikely to talk yourself out of completing the workout. She says she wants to "harness the power of the mind to achieve the potential of the body ... so we can live a life we love in a body we love." This video is broken down into four segments: warm-up (10 minutes), cardio upper-body (15 minutes), cardio lower-body (25 minutes) and yoga stretch (15 minutes).

Her moves are influenced by yoga, dance and martial arts, and they will definitely get your heart pumping and your muscles firing, with a little balance challenge thrown in. But it's the powerful spoken meditations that will change the way you work out. It may feel a little strange at first, saying things such as "The love in me bows to you," but even the skeptical may start repeating along with Moreno after a while. She's that dynamic.

Check out her website HERE

I, like all of us, need to work out to:

be healthy

be around for our families

feel good

be able to be active

lower our cholesterol

strengthen our hearts

not say no to activities

to feel good about ourselves

to like what we see in the mirror

So I am proposing we start working out together. Well you know what I mean, sort of. I am trying to figure out how we could start working out, eating right and supporting each other and keeping each other on track.

I am open to suggestions..............

Check out the video and let me know if you think you might like it.

Toast to Tuesdays ~

2008-12-09T14:55:00.000-08:00

I created this because Tuesday is another day we have to appreciate what we have in our lives and to celebrate all that is good in the world!Every Tuesday you can toast to things, ideas or people if you want, and use this logo on your post if you want, let me know in my comments so I can read your "toasts"! This is especially true during this time of year;) Cheers!

I am toasting to:

having a job at all

(so many around me are getting laid off from good jobs)

Cooper

Christmas

Christmas movies

New friends

Old friends

The song that is gettin' to me right now........

2008-12-09T10:12:00.000-08:00

Read about Adele Here
This song:
moves me
grabs me deep
stirs my soul
causes tears to well up in my eyes
and
well your getting the picture;)

I use to dream of living where it was warm and sunny. Now I dream of living here...................

2008-12-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

Since my hysterectomy 5 years ago, my heating bill has been reduced by half;)

Peace, HeidiHo

Gross! Gag! Puke!

2008-12-09T07:49:00.000-08:00

Last night as I happily sat in my new chair, Buck was standing there and I was petting him. He had just come in from outside. Well....................................you know how dogs like to rub their necks and body all over decomposed, gross and sickening things??!!
As I was petting and talking to him in my new chair on my new area rug, I smelt something. I was thinking "ewwwwwww, you stink! What the heck is that? Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, you really stink. What the ??????" Then I looked closely and there it was.............................................he had rolled in diarria.
Sorry ladies to do this to you this early in the morning, well sorta, I guess I could wait but I am not patient enough.
I was shocked and stunned and screamed. Oh shit! Literally!
I jumped up and let him to the kitchen the whole time so scared he was going to lay down on my new rug. I wiped it off first with paper towels, then got hot soapy rags and scrubbed him down, then I sprayed him with doggy perfume.
He still stunk bad. I sprayed him with more deodorizer and he still was stinky. He still stunk the morning. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Cutesey Wutesey Snowman!

2008-12-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

Bringing you warmth and joy

from Mr. Frosty Man!

What happens to me at Christmas time...............

I annoy my family and co-workers by whistling and humming Christmas songs

I say "Hi there" to EVERYONE I meet and they looked shocked and then say "hi" back and if I am with people they think I am crazy

I worry about all the people in the world that are suffering and feel the weight of the world

I wish I had lot's of money cuz I see so much I want to buy for other's

I cry a lot when I see pictures of Jesus and hear the Christmas story because my heart is so full of love and I am so emotional

I wish I had a farm and a snowmobile so I could go snowmobiling

I eat a lot more sweets

What happens to you at Christmas time?

Christmas love spreading;)

2008-12-08T19:59:00.000-08:00

have

been

back

and

fourth

and

fourth

and

back

again

this

giving

blog

awards

thing!

Two things I know for sure is:

1. I absolutely feel so honored when I get any award and appreciate and love them and the giver sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!

2. I love spreading the love to other's in blogland!

I am behind on publicly thanking all the givers of the following awards! I thanked them on their blogs when I got them of course.

I absolutely hate choosing only certain people and it takes way too long to give them to everyone that I want to give them to so I am going to do the controversial thing and tell "YOU" my good bloggy buddy that I want you to have them for your own if you so choose;)

"Thank you" all my wonderful, glorious and sweet as pie bloggy buddies for giving me these awards! You are the best!

Purple Diva.......................I am still working on my tag from you and I haven't forgotten lovey;)

Much Peace and Joy, HeidiHo;)

Yippee! It's finally here.....................

2008-12-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

Right

this

very

minute

sitting

and

blogging

new

leather

rocker

recliner!

Ahhhhhhhh

comfy;)

just

hope

this

little

darlin'

keeps

her

dirty

paws/claws

out

chair!

I will be watching her closely!

Ya think this new, comfy chair will be good for me in getting all my projects done?????????

I love my new rug with the chair.

I wish it went with my new Art??? I cannot find a rug anywhere that is affordable and that I LOVE.

What is your most comfiest piece of furniture??

Peace, HeidiHo;)

I wishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

2008-12-08T08:44:00.001-08:00

I could send all of you a present;)
I can................
Wish you a Merry Christmas!
Peace, HeidiHo;)

Another before and after...............

2008-12-07T09:46:00.000-08:00

Yeehaw!

(I do have to say in all honesty that this is an unusually big mess. It is part of the clearing off the table yesterday. Things started getting a little out of hand when there was a big combination of: new job, sick and blogging addiction. I don't normally have things this bad;)

This is an old teacher's oak desk my grandpa found. He gave it to me and it was refinished a couple of years ago;) Thanks gramps!

Blast from the past and it's me???

2008-12-07T08:07:00.000-08:00

One of my highschool buddies had this of me and put it on facebook!

I am a junior in highschool!

Before...........................After................

2008-12-07T07:16:00.000-08:00

Ok! This is embarrassing!

I'm airing my dirting laundry!

Keepin' it real!

But it makes for a great before and after;)

(This has accumulated from other rooms while cleaning them out;)

Nowwwwwwwwwwwwww~
Onto this mess;) See ya later with a pic!

Have a fabulous Sunday ya'll!

Peace, HeidiHo

How much fun would this be??!!!!

2008-12-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

Have a Super Fun Friday!
Peace, HeidiHo;)

A very, very partial look into my living room changes.....

2008-12-04T20:41:00.000-08:00

Me and my BRAND NEW, SPANKIN' drill!

It's not to show a picture of me ( I hate 98% of all my pics) it's to demonstrate me "holding" my new drill;)

Now, now girls! Settle down. Don't be jealous! You can have your very own drill for only 40 bucks! This happens to be an early Christmas present from my Grammy! "Thank you Grandma" "I love you!"

The next pictures are in terrible lighting and are awful quality. They are not meant to win any awards;)

This is my new framed artwork!

Is the frame as big as I described??

I took down these wall sconces and two shelves for the new picture.

I was so tired of the alignment of that wall. My house is weird with it walls. It is all open. Anyway I will take a pic sometime and show you.

Those be my babies;)

This is the "new" rug, which I LOVE, but which does not go with the picture. That is the old couch. My new chair and couch have not come in yet. I have a ton of figuring out to do. I think this picture looks weird up there by itself. Do YOU think so? I want candle wall sconces to go on each side but the ones I love and want are from pottery barn and need I say more..............We'll see. This is a picture of the sconces. I wanted something really big to balance out the picture and something a "little" rustic. I'm still thinkin'!

For some reason that I am still trying to figure out...........

I don't LOVE this in my house as much as I did in the store so I am going back there

to check out what wall it was on. I still love it though, it's just different???????

This is "one" of my new end tables. The other one had to be ordered. My two new lamps had to be ordered as well. I LOVE this table;)

Ok (totally blurry)
I moved this mirror/coat rack to this wall. This is before I used my drill to put it in it's correct place. I ordered that bench for people to sit on while they put their shoes on and I love the baskets for the way they look and storage. I always have a little black in all my rooms.

Sooooooooo, the living room is a looooooooooooooong way away from being finished.
I haven't done the floors yet either.
I am awful! Awful, I tell ya!

Peace girlies!

No title needed.........

2008-12-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

What feelings did you get the minute you looked at this picture?

I'm the Grandma....................

2008-12-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

The other night I took Cooper to the store and right as we walked in I showed him the Christmas tree.

A family was watching us. Finally they said "he looks just like you" ( I get that a lot)

I said "Oh, thanks" "I''ll be sure and tell my daughter that. He is my grandson" and started to walk away.

I could here them gasping and saying to each other "what did she say??? She can't be the Grandma!!!!"

I didn't smile once!!!!

And I am a big fat liar;)

(about me not smilin')

Cooper's First Christmas!

2008-12-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

This looks a lot like the back of him but is not him;)

I ordered these for him...
they will say:
Cooper's
First
Christmas

on his hiney;)

I am sooooooooooooooo excited!
Ahhhhhhhhhh! A baby's first Christmas!
Do you remember your Children's or Grandchildren's first?

I love e-how..................

2008-12-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

How to Get Motivated to Clean the House

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (4 Ratings)

Everyone enjoys a clean home, but no one enjoys doing housework. The end result is always so satisfying and instills a true sense of accomplishment and ownership, but even someone who isn't usually prone to procrastination can be easily diverted. However, following these tips can help you get motivated to clean the house.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Establish a list of realistic goals. Take some time in the beginning of your week to jot down a few small cleaning goals for each day. Try not to overwhelm yourself by tackling a huge job that you'll tire of halfway through and abandon. For example, instead of cleaning the whole bathroom at once, settle for making your countertops and mirrors shine.

Step2

Enlist a little help from your cohabitants. Nothing deters you from cleaning the house more than knowing you have to do it all. To make your life easier and to get you going full throttle on the job you take on, pass the list around and have your spouse and kids pitch in.

Step3

Treat yourself to some new cleaning supplies. This may not sound so exciting, but if you go out and buy new tools for cleaning that are designed to simplify your jobs, you'll be more motivated to get going. You'll want to get your money's worth out of your new stuff and see if it truly works.

Step4

Set the alarm and start the day by cleaning something. By tackling a small job first thing in the morning, you get your mind set on the other tasks waiting for your attention. Also, this sets the motivational tone for you to get as much done as possible before moving onto something else.

Step5

Crank up the music. Especially if everyone else is gone for the day and it's just you and your mop, go to your CD player and pick out your favorite rockin' tunes and turn it up. Music is a great motivator, and it helps to pass the time in cleaning purgatory that much quicker.

Step6

Take some time for yourself--after you've finished a cleaning job, that is. Create motivation by indulging in a reward when you've reached a cleaning goal. Have a cup of coffee, read a magazine or take the dog for a leisurely walk. You've earned it.

Tips & Warnings

Think about what's waiting for you at the finish line: a beautiful, clean-smelling home that you can now sit back and enjoy.
Set a timer and motivate yourself to clean the toilets in the house before it goes off.
Remember that a clean house is a healthy house, and one way to keep your family healthy is to keep it free from dust, mold and other allergens.

Check out more e-how HERE

My favorite angel:):):):):):)

2008-12-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

Marisa is my favorite Angel!

You go girl!

The Victoria Secrets Fashion Show was last night!

See it HERE!

It was so fun and all the girls and outfits were gorgeous!

Heidi Klum is soooooooooooo cute!

Please pray for Michele~

2008-12-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

Michele is one of my dear bloggy friends!

She is suffering right now and has for months.

Check out her struggles by clicking on her image above.

The following is a post from her husband today!

My wife is a truly wonderful woman. In spite of all she has gone through in life, she is the most outstanding human being I have ever encountered, regardless if she was my wife or not.If we were to step into her shoes today & go through what this remarkable girl must go through, let alone what she had to endure through childhood years, you would be amazed also.Each day is a struggle for Michele in all sorts of little ways unimaginable. Not only must she be alert with the fact that she can be stricken with seizures at any moment of the day but the heavy medications are enough to housebound most folks out there. The majority of them are confused, tired, sluggish & forgetful of daily tasks with 1/2 the dosages she currently takes & those people insist on living life within four walls, never getting out to experience life but not Michele! She insists that life is far too valuable & will get out & be active & try to be as sociable as possible. She'll try to work at a job as many hours as possible, and walk whenever she can. She loves people & will never hesitate to help others before herself.Michele is a strong woman & seeing her fight from all the nastiness that she went through as a little girl, & to be abandoned from her family makes me very upset. It's just doesn't seem fair that she has to work so hard all the time for the rest of her life.Each time I see her have a seizure & I'm there by her side, I gently hold her head & as I softly speak to her to please take in another gulp of air so that she can be with me for one more day, I can't help but be angry at the ones that caused this illness to her in the first place. I wish it was me lying there having this seizure, I wish I could take this pain for her. I'm screaming inside my head! I'm terrified of losing control but I know I can't. I must be strong for her.When the seizure finally ends, Michele is exhausted, her body is limp, her face is yellow, her eyes sunk in deep and dark, I almost do not recognize her but for now she's safe & I hold her for awhile. I dab the tears from her face and I fight back my own tears as I cradle her in my arms until she's safely asleep. ---Take this time and love your family. Hug them, respect them, be their best friend.---Michele's health is strengthening & the outlook for her return could be next week. Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments, and prayers.---MARCELL J---

Get well soon Michele!

I love this..............

2008-12-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

I have seen this on many of my bloggy friends blogs in many different capacities.

I just LOVE it! And couldn't resist stealing it!

It speaks for itself I think!

Happy ............................................

2008-12-03T05:50:00.000-08:00

I use to think this sounded...........................not nice. But then I finally asked why people say it? And was told it means Wednesday is in the middle of the week. So it's like up the hill (that's the hump) and then back down again to Thursday and Friday.

So now I just like saying it for some reason!

It's just another fun way to say Wednesday!

May your "hump day" be blessed with love, joy and surprises;)

Peace, HeidiHo!

Update~

2008-12-02T18:26:00.000-08:00

Ok...............................as with all serious addictions. I am finding it EXTREMELY difficult to stay away from all my bloggy buddies. I feel like you are my family;) Sooooooooooooooooo, Mayyyyyyyybbbbbbbbbbbbbeeeeeeeeeeeee I could use moderation and not completely stay away, but lower my usage of this here computer????????????????????????? I mean I don't actually have the energy (still recovering from a long cold and ear infection) to hit it hard on house projects after I've worked all day????????????????? Right?!

What I did get accomplished after work was:

Jump my car myself

Drive it to get a new battery (taking away from my Christmas budget, oh joy!)

Go to two stores looking for a particular door decoration for my Aunt's door in her nursing home

Buy a drill that I have needed for some time (A Christmas present to myself)

Take care of the pets

Did some laundry

Put books on the bookcase that I moved the other day

unloaded and loaded the dishwasher

and I am pooped even if that makes me a loser!

So while I am resting..................................

why can't I check a few of your blogs???????????

makes sense to me..................

MODERATION:):):):):):):):)

Love, Me;)

See ya when I get done............

2008-12-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

...with all my projects.
I'm an all or nothing gal!
And with work and me not working on all
cylinders (a very long lasting cold)
I have to be very disciplined
with myself to get my
projects and house in
order! I will have a cool
post with before and after's
for you when I am done;)
Peace out!
Take care!
Have fun!
See ya soon I hope:):):):):):)
HeidiHo!

What kind of soup are you?

2008-12-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

You Are Tomato Soup

You are open minded and curious about the world. You can help but learn as much as you can about things.

You are introverted, intellectual, and introspective. In other words, you have a big brain... and you use it.

You are a bit of a culinary expert, and you are an excellent cook.

You know how to balance delicate flavors well and can whip up a mean bowl of soup.

What Kind of Soup Are You?

Awesome giveaway~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2008-12-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

Awesome give away over at SITS

What a wonderful surprise...................

2008-12-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

When I went to capture me some "snow on crab apples"

this morning................there was an added bonus!

These were taken from the comfort of my home with my Kodak.
One of the reasons I chose it was because of it's 12x zoom capabilities;)
I pray your Monday will be blessed!

Peace, HeidiHo

Wow! It's December 1st!

2008-12-01T08:45:00.001-08:00

Happy December 1st Everyone!
With love from HeidiHo!

Look outside my window~

2008-11-30T05:34:00.000-08:00

Winter's first kiss!

It's still snowing so I will post more of the accumulation later;)

What's the weather like outside your window?

I should be cleaning~

2008-11-29T11:29:00.001-08:00

Geography lesson for me~

2008-11-29T11:28:00.000-08:00

Wow! Asia is huge!

I didn't pay attention in class while in highschool. At the time I wasn't interested in where other countries were;)